Proverbs 12:8-24

⁸The mouth of an understanding man is praised by a man; but he that is dull of heart is had in derision.

⁹Better is a man in dishonour serving himself, than one honouring himself and lacking bread.

¹⁰A righteous man has pity for the lives of his cattle; but the bowels of the ungodly are unmerciful.

¹¹He that tills his own land shall be satisfied with bread; but they that pursue vanities are void of understanding. He that enjoys himself in banquets of wine, shall leave dishonour in his own strong holds.

¹²The desires of the ungodly are evil; but the roots of the godly are firmly set.

¹³For the sin of his lips a sinner falls into snare; but a righteous man escapes from them. He whose looks are gentle shall be pitied, but he that contends in the gates will afflict souls.

¹⁴The soul of a man shall be filled with good from the fruits of his mouth; and the recompence of his lips shall be given to him.

¹⁵The ways of fools are right in their own eyes; but a wise man hearkens to counsels.

¹⁶A fool declares his wrath the same day; but a prudent man hides his own disgrace.

¹⁷A righteous man declares the open truth; but an unjust witness is deceitful.

¹⁸Some wound as they speak, like swords; but the tongues of the wise heal.

¹⁹True lips establish testimony; but a hasty witness has an unjust tongue.

²⁰There is deceit in the heart of him that imagines evil; but they that love peace shall rejoice.

²¹No injustice will please a just man; but the ungodly will be filled with mischief.

²²Lying lips are a abomination to the Lord; but he that deals faithfully is accepted with him.

²³An understanding man is a throne of wisdom; but the heart of fools shall meet with curses.

²⁴The hand of chosen men shall easily obtain rule; but the deceitful shall be for a prey.